Supporting women benefits everyone

Dr Carole Easton OBE, Young Women’s Trust, Chief Executive

“In the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme #BeBoldForChange, Young Women’s Trust is asking employers to pledge to recruit more young women apprentices. Young Women’s Trust research shows that gender stereotypes and a lack of support can shut women out of better-paid, male-dominated sectors like construction and engineering. As a result, they are paid 21 per cent less than men, get less training during their apprenticeship and are less likely to get a job afterwards.

“We are asking employers to make a conscious effort to recruit more young women in male-dominated sectors. Much greater provision of part-time and flexible apprenticeships would help young mothers and carers in particular, who often have to balance care with work. Small changes too, like adapting the language in job adverts to appeal to young women, explicitly welcoming women applicants and removing formal academic entry requirements for apprenticeships, can make a big difference.

“Supporting women benefits everyone, including businesses and the economy.

“This International Women’s Day, Young Women’s Trust hopes that employers will be bold for change and help more young women take their first career steps.”

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International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The
day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women's Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the
first​ ​March 8​ ​IWD gathering supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the​ Socialist Party
of America, United Kingdom's Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups
collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.​ Make IWD your day! - everyday!